Faded Jeans Living

About two weeks ago, I removed YouTube and Instagram from my iPhone and iPad. Just have to stop real quick and recognize and laugh at that statement. iThis and iThat. 25 years ago you would of been saying what the hell are you talking about!

YouTube. This had been my guilty pleasure literally sucking away hours of my time as I escaped and followed all these Van Lifers, people who travel and live full time in a van. Each day getting excited as I endlessly watch others living their dream life while I sit in the shadows glued to my couch.

Instagram. I guess this was my answer to not going full on with Facebook. Actually if you happen to find me on TheFacebook all you’ll see is one post that has a link to my Instagram site. I liked that I could create a quick post and connect with others. The reality is that “connecting part” really isn’t there. Just like on Facebook. Maybe a two word comment or emoji but that’s about it. I didn’t get so sucked into Instagram, but it was definitely part of my daily routine numerous times a day. Went like this…any new emails, how about WordPress, okay now check YouTube, and lastly open Instagram. Repeat.

WordPress. Yes, even WordPress is going getting a bit of digital minimalism. With this it just comes down to finding a healthy balance between connecting with my online super heroes and also reaching out to my “in person” friends and family. I’ve found with my in person friends I’ve neglected the occasional reaching out how are you calls, and only contact them when I’ve got free time to meet and hang out. So it ends up, I’m only reaching out every couple of months with each one. Not good.

Another reason I cut back on my digital platforms is I was embarrassed each time my son came in the front door I’d be in my spot sitting on my ass scrolling and clicking on the Pad-Of-I . Now as you know I do get out and bike, ruck, walk, and socialize but my home hobby was definitely a whole lot of living on the internet.

Engagement. Lastly, I’m at the point with all my online communities that if there isn’t a back and forth dialogue once in awhile what’s the sense in it at all. I know there are plenty of folks who sit back and don’t like to comment, but for me it’s the engagement of sharing/responding that allows us to relate and connect. I definitely don’t do it for the 5 likes from the same person within 30 seconds. Some I’ll keep if they are truly informative or motivating, but otherwise I’ll eventually just unfollow.

So fortunately or unfortunately I have a new hobby that’s filling a lot of lot of time. I’m painting my house because I’m too cheap to pay someone else and as you know I have that sitting on my ass problem. So with a lot of blood, sweat, and NO beers I’ve changed up my home routine. Not to worry either there is plenty of jobs that need to be done around this place.

I’ve also been able to do more reading and just being. Giving myself time to think about all kinds of things and then I can write it up here and truly connect with folks like you.

Just like any tool, the internet can be used for good or bad or in many cases to make tons of money off of you. You are the product! Just remember if you’re looking for answers or to grow that your soul is actually pretty darn smart. It’s all about balance out here.😊

Peace,

Dwight

For those wondering, I’m still doing my Going for it 52 week challenge. I’ll get an update out soon😊